transgenics

Transgenics is the transfer of genetic information that is not normally present into the genome of a species. To create a transgenic species the relevant gene (transgene) is introduced into stem cells, which are in turn introduced into a blastocyst (the product of the early cell division of a fertilized egg). If the resulting progeny have the transgene in their germ cells then transgenic species can be derived by breeding. The new characteristics of the resulting animals (their altered phenotype) reveal or confirm the function of the transgene. By introduction of genetic material to disrupt a gene into a species, such as mice, accurate models of human genetic diseases can be created. These so called ‘knockout’ animals are essential for formulating approaches to the treatment of human genetic disease.

— Alan W. Cuthbert

See genetics, human; stem cells.